R2024-368 Resolution Authorizing Agreement for Lobbying Services - Highstake 35 LLC DBA Mercury Public Affairs

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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER DATE: December 11, 2024 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Tim Gleason, City Manager SUBJECT: Consideration and Action on a Federal Lobbying Professional Services Agreement with Highstake 35 LLC dba Mercury Public Affairs for the City for a Two-Year Period Beginning on January 1 st, 2025, as requested by the Administration Department. RECOMMENDATION: The proposed Agreement be approved. ORGANIZATIONAL & CITY SIGNIFICANCE: Objective 1. City services delivered in the most cost-effective, efficient manner Objective 2. Investing in the City's future by seeking alternative funding for city operations and economic development opportunities BACKGROUND: The City of Decatur (City Manager) sought support from the City Council to hire a lobbyist to pursue federal and state funding opportunities. City Council supported this effort with the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget that allocates $100,000 to this effort (To retain the services of a lobbyist consultant that possess significant demonstrable experience in lobbying and advocacy at the federal level. The lobbying consultant shall be able to develop relationships with the City's representatives and shall have existing relationships with federal government staffers both within the state and federal capitals,at governmental agencies,and with other industry lobbyist. The City sought a lobbyist that can help the City secure federal funding, advocate for the city's policy and financial needs, and be an expert navigator of the federal government.) Mercury Public Affairs is a "next generation" government affairs firm, with the ability to deliver a triple- threat toolbox of inhouse capabilities: traditional lobbying, policy depth, and strategic communications. Mercury Public Affairs merges the best aspects of federal lobbying firms into one complete package on behalf of local governments and other entities.The term of the agreement is two (2)years based upon satisfactory performance that will be evaluated before the end of each current year beginning on January 1St, 2025, and ending on December 31 St, 2026. Mercury Public Affairs will bill the City monthly at an amount of$8,333 for an annual amount of$100,000 per term. FINANCIAL IMPACT: If approved, funds are included in the Fiscal Year ("FY") 2025 Budget and the FY 2026 Proposed Budget under the Administration-Other Professional & Technical Services account. Stakeholders can locate the FY 2025 on the City's website.